Purpose

Christian laypersons who desire a short program of seminary studies to equip them for effective ministry in the local church or elsewhere

those who wish to begin seminary studies on a trial basis to help them determine if they desire to pursue a degree program

Christian workers with limited time available for seminary studies (Those who intend to enter a professional ministry are encouraged to apply for admission to one of the master's-level degree programs.)

college graduates who want a year of seminary studies as a supplement to their undergraduate work

spouses of current DTS students who want to complete a program of graduate seminary studies

Goals

Educational Goals

To enable students to:

demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible

evidence a general knowledge of premillennial theology and an ability to support their theological views.

Spiritual Goal

To enable students to evidence an increasing likeness to Christ as manifested in love for God, love for others, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Ministry Goal

To enable students to evidence an interest and involvement in the local church or other ministries with which they are associated.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application procedures for the Certificate of Biblical and Theological Studies program are the same as for all programs of study at the Seminary.

Course Requirements

Thirty hours of coursework are required, consisting of 9 hours in Bible Exposition, 9 hours in Systematic Theology, 2 hours in Pastoral Ministries, and 10 hours of electives. Students are able to take up to 6 additional hours beyond the designated 30 hours without needing to apply to a degree program.

Flexibility in the Bible and theology courses and in the 10 hours of electives allows students to select courses suited to their particular interests and needs. Many, if not all, of these courses may be completed online. Contact the Admissions office or Registrar’s office for more information.

Transfer Credits

Transfer of up to six credit hours from accredited graduate theological schools is allowed toward the Certificate of Biblical and Theological Studies.

Students must normally have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in order to be eligible to transfer a course from another institution to Dallas Theological Seminary. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Registrar’s Office for further information.